Dental Fillings

To treat a cavity your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed.

Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse (such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding).

What Steps Are Involved in Filling a Tooth?

First, the dentist will remove the decayed area with the help of drill.

Next, your dentist will probe or test the area to determine if all the decay has been removed. Once the decay has been removed, the dentist will prepare the space for the filling by cleaning the cavity of bacteria and debris. If the decay is near the root, your dentist may first put in a liner made of glass ionomer, composite resin, or other material to protect the nerve. Generally, after the filling is in, your dentist will finish and polish it.

Types of fillings

Silver Fillings (Amalgams)

Advantages

Durability

Strength

Less expensive than composite fillings

Disadvantages of silver fillings:

Poor aesthetics

Destruction of more tooth structure -- healthy parts of the tooth must often be removed to make a space large enough to hold the amalgam filling.

Discoloration

Cracks and fractures

Allergic reactions

Tooth-colored Composites

Advantages of composites:

Aesthetics -- the shade/color of the composite fillings can be closely matched to the color of existing teeth. Composites are particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.

Other Filling Types

Ceramics. These fillings are made most often of porcelain, are more resistant to staining than composite resin material but are also more abrasive. This material generally lasts more than 15 years and can cost as much as gold.

Glass ionomer This material is most commonly used for fillings below the gum line and for fillings in young children (drilling is still required). Glass ionomers release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay. However, this material is weaker than composite resin and is more susceptible to wear and prone to fracture.

What's a Temporary Filling and Why Would I Need One?

Temporary fillings are used under the following circumstances:

For fillings that require more than one appointment -- for example, before placement of gold fillings and for certain filling procedures (called indirect fillings) that use composite materials

Following a root canal

To allow a tooth's nerve to "settle down" if the pulp became irritated

If emergency dental treatment is needed (such as to address a toothache)

To book an appointment at Grace dental clinic, Gurgaon call:9953076985